Effective November 11, 2024 there have been some changes to the process for ordering supplies, including:

• updated risk assessment
• quantities
• order timelines

Please review these updates carefully to make you have the supplies you need, when you need them.

Here are the steps to complete your VSS:

1. Apply: Go to your local police station (in person or online) and apply for the VSS.
   • For Toronto residents only: Our organization code is 202310TPSONDFEEA. Write this down as you will need it to complete your application with the Toronto Police Service if you live in Toronto.
2. Pay: You pay for the VSS upfront and send your receipt to klucki@circleofcare.com for reimbursement.
3. Receive Results: You will get your VSS results in about 10 business days. Please send the results to klucki@circleofcare.com within 30 days.
4. Reimbursement: After you send your results, HR will refund you within 30 days. The refund will show up in your next pay.

As per Article 3.03 of the Collective Agreement, employees need to work a total of 1300 hours in the current calendar year (January 1 – Dcember 31, 2024) to qualify for or maintain full time status for 2024.

If you are interested in working more hours or expanding your availability, please contact your Service Coordinator.

Don’t let it happen to you!

When you are on your feet caring for others all day, it can be easy to forget about your own safety. Just one simple slip, trip, or fall can lead to serious injuries!

Here are some simple precautions you can take to avoid slips, trips, and falls:

• Avoid rushing. Take your time – trips and falls are most likely to happen when you are rushing to get from point A to point B.
• Mind your surroundings. Avoid distractions while walking and be aware of potential hazards like spills or uneven surfaces.
• Clean up spills immediately or report them to the appropriate personnel.
• Wear proper footwear. Shoes with good traction are essential for preventing slips and falls. Make sure you have the right shoes for the job.

Proper footwear is an investment in your safety!

Our Safe Footwear Policy emphasizes the importance of choosing footwear that suits your work environment.

When choosing your footwear, remember:

• Choose closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles.
• Wear shoes that are comfortable and fit well.
• Make sure your shoes are well-maintained and not damaged.

For more information on the specific footwear requirements for your work area, check the Safe Footwear Policy on the CareNet/PSW portal.

Is it a cold or the flu?

Sometimes it can be challenging to identify the causes of your symptoms, especially considering the presence of COVID-19 variants.

The most common flu symptoms include:

• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffed nose
• body aches or headaches
• chills
• fatigue.

Some people may also experience additional symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. It is also possible to be infected with the flu and experience only respiratory symptoms without running a fever.

Compared to a cold, where symptoms often come on gradually, flu symptoms will develop abruptly. Fever, headache, or chills are uncommon or rare when sick with a cold, but relatively common when you have the flu.

In any case, if you believe you are coming down with something you should stay home and take precautions to avoid spreading the virus to your family, friends, clients, and coworkers.

If you think you may have contracted COVID-19, you should also take a RAT test and isolate as much as possible.

Have you had your mask fit tested and CPR training? Circle of Care requires all PSWs and Homemakers to be certified with valid and current CPR training and properly fitted for N95 masks.

Important reminders:

• Arrive 15 minutes before the CPR training or mask fit session begins.
• Try to book a date/time where you do not have client visits scheduled. If you need to make any scheduling arrangements after you have booked your session, speak to your Service Coordinator.
• Your schedule will be blocked as ‘unavailable’ for you to attend the session. You do not need to use your phone to sign into the training.
• You will be paid a total of 4 hours for the training (CPR) and 1 hour for mask fit. These hours will be added to your schedule and paid out 1-2 weeks after the session has been completed. They will appear on your paystub as ‘Miscellaneous’.
• Manage your bookings or cancellations through the online portal.
• You will receive a confirmation email/text notification when you book your session and a session reminder.

Book your CPR training and mask fit sessions through First Aid Care today!

You can also book by calling 905-272-9214

At Circle of Care, we know how hard you work! Don’t forget to unwind and recharge between visits or when you have a moment to pause.

Here are some simple ideas to help you reset and feel refreshed:

• Stretch – A quick stretch, reaching your arms up, rolling your shoulders, can relieve tension on the go.
• Walk mindfully – Slow down as you walk. Focus on each step to ground yourself in the moment.
• Listen to music – Use a few minutes between visits to listen to a song that lifts your spirits or calms you.
• Take deep breaths – Pause and focus on taking a few slow, deep breaths to release any tension.
• Make everyday activities calming – When washing hands or sanitizing, take it as a moment to breathe deeply and let go of stress.
• Remember to pause – Remind yourself to pause and appreciate each small moment of rest.

Try a few of these during your day to see what works best for you.

We’re excited to offer a relaxing massage sessions with three registered massage therapists on Tuesday, December 3, from 12:00pm to 3:00pm in Boardroom A.

Each session is 15 minutes, and spaces are limited, so please only register if you’re sure you’ll be able to come into the office for your massage. We want to make sure everyone who signs up gets the chance to enjoy this! Register here: wellbloc.ca/circleofcare

Stay safe at work!

If you did not complete the STF Prevention eLearning module in 2023 – or you just need to refresh your memory – it’s not too late to self-enroll through Dayforce.

Log into your Dayforce account, select the ‘Learning’ tab and then choose the STF Prevention module from the ‘Courses Catalogue’ at the top.

Has someone gone above and beyond at work? Give them a High Five!

The High Five program lets you publicly recognize staff members for their outstanding work. High Fives will be posted in your weekly Inside the Circle newsletter.

To give a high five, just click on the button below or use the link in the rotating banner on the Portal home page.

Please note: We do not accept anonymous submissions for this program. High Fives must be submitted by an individual person, whether they are a staff member or member of the community.

Have a question? Submit your questions or feedback anonymously below!

Please note that it may take us longer to provide some answers. If your question hasn’t been answered yet, we will get back to you as soon as we can.